Anyone experience depression DURING pregnancy?

greenbean79

I have been very depressed lately....not sure whether it's the pregnancy hormones contributing to it or not. Lately I've been questioning my marriage, my decisions in life, and even whether I should've gotten pregnant (worried I'll be a horrible mother, etc).

Do you think this is normal or could it be due to depression?

Thanks in advanced for your answers ladies....I wish you all the best in 2011...hopefully a happy, depression-free year for all of us.

HappyMommy28

I don't know if its normal or not but I was depressed/anxious during my pregnancy. Not so much at first but it got worse the further along i was.  I never had suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting anyone.  I was just really down.  Slept a lot, didn't do anything.  It was hard.  I pretty much knew I'd have to deal with PPD but I was able to get on zoloft.

wellsmk

I was diagnosed with depression before I became pregnant.  I had tried changing my diet, getting more exercise, even spending a LOT of time with friends and family before I went to the doc to be put on antidepressants.  The OB/GYN had me weaned off of the drugs before I started my second trimester.  Because I know I have depression already, I am prepared for dealing with it during and after the pregnancy.  It can be tough, but you'll get through it.  Try to get some exercise during the day; I've read that walking is THE best thing you can do right now.  Keep in touch with friends and family, and let them know you're feeling blue.  You will be an excellent mother, since you're worried about your health now and what it could be doing to your baby.  If it gets to a point where you can't handle it, PLEASE talk to your doctor and let him/her know!  There is help out there.  Also feel free to contact me

greenbean79

wellsmk:

I was diagnosed with depression before I became pregnant.  I had tried changing my diet, getting more exercise, even spending a LOT of time with friends and family before I went to the doc to be put on antidepressants.  The OB/GYN had me weaned off of the drugs before I started my second trimester.  Because I know I have depression already, I am prepared for dealing with it during and after the pregnancy.  It can be tough, but you'll get through it.  Try to get some exercise during the day; I've read that walking is THE best thing you can do right now.  Keep in touch with friends and family, and let them know you're feeling blue.  You will be an excellent mother, since you're worried about your health now and what it could be doing to your baby.  If it gets to a point where you can't handle it, PLEASE talk to your doctor and let him/her know!  There is help out there.  Also feel free to contact me

Thanks Wellsmk, for your reply. I think exercising might help too, but right now i'm too nausous...if i'm on my feet too long I end up getting dizzy and throwing up. So I've been laying down most of the time just to keep from throwing up. Maybe i'm bored (have been on holidays since Dec 23rd) and just have too much time on my hands to think lately. But i've been thinking really negatively lately, from everything from my marriage and husband (feeling that I made a mistake marrying him) to negative thoughts about myself, my ability to be a good mother, value as a person, etc. Its starting to affect my relationship with my husband. All i did yesterday evening was lay in bed and cry. I hope this is due to the hormones and not some more serious issue.

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greenbean79

Thanks for your replies. I did suffer from depression previously...it just seems alot worse since i became pregnant. I am considering seeing a counsellor....I am just worried about developing PPD depression once the baby is born since I'm already at an increased risk with my previous episodes of depression. This whole thing is scarey. I'm not good with change, and developing delibilitating depression and not being able to take care of my baby and/or myself is my biggest fear.

Thanks all...good luck to you.

eas15905

RoseTor:

I don't know if its normal or not but I was depressed/anxious during my pregnancy. Not so much at first but it got worse the further along i was.  I never had suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting anyone.  I was just really down.  Slept a lot, didn't do anything.  It was hard.  I pretty much knew I'd have to deal with PPD but I was able to get on zoloft.

Me too.  I've never had depression before and didn't experience this with my first pregnancy.  Also, my MW ran my bloodwork and my iron, vitamin D, and thyroid levels were all out of whack which could have contributed to the feelings of depression.  I started zoloft along with taking supplements for the iron and vitamin D and started feeling much better - pretty much back to my old self.  I highly recommend talking to your Dr. about it because it's horrible to spend every day feeling that way.  GL.

stargirlsheart

I have had depression and anxiety issues for years and was fine during my first pregnancy but was a mess during my second pregnancy and am now thinking that I have crossed over into PPD.  I absoultely suggest talking with somebody about it.

AllisaurusRex

I too had depression (among other mental issues) prior to becoming pregnant. I don't know if it was just the hormones combined with my pre-existing issues, or a combination of everything else going on in my life at the time, but I became horribly depressed during my first trimester. At one point it was so bad that DH and I were seriously considering terminating the pregnancy in an attempt to preserve my own mental health. Fortunately, the depression let up a couple weeks into my second trimester, but did return (though not nearly as severe) very late in the third trimester. I think the second bout late in the pregnancy was directly related to being uncomfortable and frustrated that I still hadn't given birth. I agree with PPs that you should definitley talk to someone about it. I wish I had.

So far though, I have not experienced any signs of PPD.

ea82

I had it in my third trimester.  I cried all the time, felt miserable, and kept wondering why I ever wanted to get pregnant (which is not how I really felt).  When the feelings didn't go away after a few weeks I figured it was a problem and got help.  Definitely talk to your doc!  Good luck.